I loved the rapport between the two
main characters. Although at times they both struggled to find the right words
to explain their feelings for each other, somehow they managed. They both loved
the other and so over time it became easier. Both were also very independent
and that caused a little friction between them. However, Ryder would typically
just shake his head and go with the flow. There were a huge number of sex
scenes, and I think this story would have stood alone quite well without so
many (there were times they did nothing to forward the plot, but seemed added
just to have a sex scene), but they didn’t detract from the plot either.

There were so many other fascinating
and fun characters in the story: her sister, her cousins, their husbands, her
aunt, the Duchess. Reading about all the things they attempted and succeeded in
doing was really fun. They were not the typical regency “tonnish” people of the
days. This made this story much more fun.

And of course, although there was a
lot of fighting, terror, murder and mayhem, the story has a very satisfying
ending.

He Made Her An Offer...

Life has thrown Christel
McClellan some experiences that could have devastated a less determined woman.
Beautiful, self-assured and fiercely independent, she is trying to forget the
loss of her stillborn child. But is the child alive?

She Couldn’t Deny...

Life is carefree for Ryder
MacLaren who loves to see what is on the other side of the sunrise. Laird of
Clan MacLaren, he is wealthy, handsome and happily unencumbered...until
stunning Christel McClellan enters his life. When he hears her story, he
believes the child she thought dead has been sold to a wealthy buyer.

EXCERPT

But Christel pushed away from him and pointing, "There, do
you see her. She is sitting on the wall."

Ryder strained to see the apparition Christel pointed toward but
he saw nothing. "No, but I think I hear her."

"Yes, she is crying, not weeping as usual. Do you know
anything about her story?" Christel turned to him, hope shining in her soft
blue eyes.

"I've heard her lover died. But that was a long time
ago."

"How?"

Ryder pulled her back into his embrace, not ever wanting her to
leave. He would hold fast to her for as long as she would allow him. "At
war... I don't recall which one. The clans seem to have always been at war with
someone, especially the English."

He felt the nod of her head against his chest. "Does anyone
know the legend? I would seek them out."

Her breathing was slow and she seemed relaxed. But Ryder feared
for her. If she started asking questions, would this ghost come to harm her? He
didn't know anything about apparitions. But he also knew he would have to give
her a chance to discover the truth. "Only if you let me go with you. I
would be honored. There is a woman, older than time. She wanders the castle
grounds. Most see her in the late evening and early morning."

"Old as time, no older?"

A shimmering silver light hung over the castle and floated above
the turrets. Ryder pointed toward the light. "Is that her?"

"One might say that about her." His hands rested at the
small of Christel's back. He wanted to kiss her but didn't want to frighten her
again. Maybe a lazy gentle kiss would be accepted. The thought made him grin.

He traced her neck with the tip of his finger, hoping she would
find his attentions acceptable then bent close to her. "I want to kiss
you. Will you let me?" She shivered in his arms but turned her face up to
him.

"Yes." She breathed softly. Her words gentle yet
hesitant.

Her reticence bothered him. What had happened in her past? His
thoughts shot to Lord Rathen and her hasty departure from London. Every part of
him tightened with disgust. He would discover the truth and make the despicable
rake pay for any injustice committed against Christel.

Watching her eyes for signs of fear, Ryder lowered his mouth to
hers. He touched her gently, molded his lips against her, thrilled to hear the
sigh of pleasure emanate from her. He ran one hand up her back, pulling her
closer, reveling in the feel of her softness against his hard planes. Her
breasts pushed against him. The need to feel every inch of her pulsed through
him but he didn't dare.

He moved back and once again looking into her eyes. She lowered
her lashes then returned his gaze.

"Don't think, little one, just feel and know that I would
never hurt you. I want more but I won't rush you."